Building Complete on Powerhouse Parramatta in Australia

Construction is complete on the main building works on Powerhouse Parramatta, delivering Western Sydney, Australia’s first major cultural institution and the largest museum ever built in New South Wales.
Delivered in partnership with the NSW Government, the completion of the main building marks a significant milestone in the delivery of an economic catalyst for the area. Constructed over four years, the project supported more than 4,000 workers across over 2.7 million hours of work, with three-quarters of the workforce living locally.

Western Sydney businesses played a major role, with Lendlease spending $329 million across the local community, strengthening local capability and creating long-term employment opportunities. The project also exceeded workforce diversity and inclusion targets, with women representing 11.5% of the total workforce, more than 7% of workers in trades and 3.8% First Nations employment, almost double the original project target. Nearly $14 million was also spent with First Nations-owned businesses.

Powerhouse Parramatta is the first public building in Australia and the first project in Western Sydney to be assessed as a 6-Star Designed project under the Green Building Council of Australia’s new Green Star Buildings assessment tool. It was also one of the first projects in Australia to use renewable diesel in its three tower cranes, supporting fossil fuel-free construction.

The completed building includes more than 18,000 square meters of public and exhibition space, comprising seven expansive exhibition galleries, a demonstration kitchen and a rooftop terrace and garden overlooking Parramatta.

Work will continue on final public domain areas, alongside an exhibition installation by Powerhouse, ahead of the museum opening later this year. Once open, Powerhouse Parramatta is expected to welcome around 2 million visitors annually.

Design image by Moreau Kusunoki Genton